Goa State Logistics and Warehousing Incentives Scheme: Subsidy on Electricity Duty

The Department of Industries, Government of Goa, runs the Goa State Logistics and Warehousing Incentives Scheme to support the logistics and warehousing sector in the state. The scheme extends financial assistance to units in this sector, acknowledging that efficient logistics and cold chain infrastructure matter for economic growth.

One component, the Subsidy on Electricity Duty, targets a major operating cost for Cold Chain Units. Such units are needed to keep perishable goods intact and serve agriculture, pharmaceuticals and other key industries in Goa. Under this component, 100% of the electricity duty paid on High Tension electricity connections is reimbursed, subject to an annual ceiling of ₹5,00,000 per unit. The aim is to improve competitiveness and draw investment into this infrastructure.

The Directorate Of Industries, Trade, And Commerce (DITC) implements the initiative, which is linked to the Goa online single-window system for processing applications, making it simpler for eligible businesses to claim benefits. The subsidy is intended to ease operational costs, support sustainability and create conditions favourable to the growth of logistics and cold chain services, thereby strengthening Goa's economic resilience and supply chain efficiency.

- **Registration before applying:** Any entity seeking incentives must first sign up on the Goa Online portal (www.goaonline.gov.in) and secure all requisite business approvals via that portal. - **Step 1: Go to the official portal:** Open the Official Web Portal of Goa Online and select "Register" in the top right corner. - **Step 2: Confirm your details:** Authenticate your Email ID and Mobile Number through OTP. The Registration Page will then open. - **Step 3: Finish registration:** Complete every mandatory field on the Registration Page, set up a Login Name and Password, read and accept the Declaration and Terms & Conditions, enter the Captcha Code, and select "Register/Signup". - **Step 4: Sign in:** Sign in to the website with the Login Name and Password you just created, key in the Captcha Code, and select "Login". - **Step 5: Reach the scheme application:** On the top ribbon, select "Services", followed by "IT Services", and then choose "Incentives on Logistics and Warehousing Sector". The application form for the scheme will open. - **Step 6: Complete and submit the application:** Fill in every mandatory field and upload all documents sought. Once submitted, a unique registration number is generated; note it down for future reference.

Once an application is received, the Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce (DITC) first seeks clarification on any gaps in the form or supporting documents. After verification, DITC assigns an official to inspect the entity, checking all records and documents against the verification-cum-recommendation guidelines and the checklist at Annexure X. The inspection report is uploaded within 48 hours and made accessible to the entrepreneur. The application then goes to the Chief Executive Officer, Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board (Goa-IPB), for due diligence. On the strength of Goa-IPB's recommendation, DITC drafts an appraisal note for the Incentive Review Committee, which meets to examine and sanction the claims.

Once the committee has recommended the claim, DITC prepares the approval note so that the Accounts Department can disburse the incentive. Sanctioned claims are arranged in chronological order and disbursed as per due procedure. After the first inspection, further inspections take place once every 6 months; annual reports are collected and uploaded to the portal, and later claims are processed on the basis of these reports, with no additional physical inspection required.